CLASS ACT

A headless mannequin stands watch in the corner clothed in a suit and tie, while button down shirts and blouses line up by size and color on a rack across the room. Meanwhile, a dozen women dressed in hot pink jackets gather just outside the door. One of them, finally steps forward and reluctantly accepts the giant blue scissors. Crystal Pounds isn’t sure she wants to be in the spotlight by herself and eventually convinces Diplomat president, Janice Cates to help her out. It is time to cut the ribbon.

They were lined up at the door when I walked into the Chamber office on the day before Thanksgiving. Shoppers gathered around the room, patiently waiting for their chance for a deal on Chamber gift certificates. Lottie shuttled the checks through the printer, while Julie …